Extra virgin olive oil of 500 ml produced in Argentina can be purchased at a lower price on some specific shelves. For example, in a supermarket located in Florianópolis and in some self-service stores in Morón, the Buenos Aires local area of origin of the product, it is available at a lower price than that listed on the official manufacturer's page in Argentina.
On those specific shelves, the oil is sold at a value equivalent to AR$9,180, while on the official page the same product costs AR$13,900, which implies a 34% higher price. The possibility of buying two units for AR$8,980 each represents additional savings for consumers. This price difference has been observed not only in Brazil but also in Paraguay, where the olive oil of the same brand is sold at a more affordable price than in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires.
According to a survey conducted by Coninagro comparing food prices in Brazil, it was concluded that some Argentine products have a significantly higher value, such as olive oil, meat, and other basic foods. On the other hand, it was confirmed that in Argentina, products like mozzarella, potatoes, chicken, and sugar are cheaper compared to Brazil.
The head of Foreign Trade at Nucete, Daniel Rodríguez, explained that the price of olive oil is determined according to the costs that the brand must incur to compete in a global market with several international brands. Despite being cheaper in other places, Rodríguez acknowledges that in Argentina, the price of olive oil is considerably high.
This cross-border shopping movement is reflected in migration statistics, where a high flow of Argentines entering Paraguay in search of cheaper products is recorded, as in that country prices are 30% lower for Argentines and 50% for Brazilians in categories such as electronics, vehicles, and fuels.
